The effect of simvastatin on bone formation and ceramic resorption in a peri-implant defect model

✍ Scribed by Bingkui Ma; Susan A. Clarke; Roger A. Brooks; Neil Rushton

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2008
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 162 KB
• Volume: 4
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1742-7061
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2007.05.004

✦ Synopsis

Experimental use of statins as stimulators of bone formation suggests they may have widespread applicability in the field of orthopaedics. With their combined effects on osteoblasts and osteoclasts, statins have the potential to enhance resorption of synthetic materials and improve bone ingrowth. In this study, the effect of oral and local administration of simvastatin to a b tricalcium phosphate (bTCP)filled defect around an implant was compared with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2). On hundred and sixtytwo Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to treatment groups: local application of 0.1, 0.9 or 1.7 mg of simvastatin, oral simvastatin at 5, 10 or 50 mg kg À1 day À1 for 20 days, local delivery of 1 or 10 lg of rhBMP2, or control. At 6 weeks rhBMP2 increased serum tartrateresistant acid phosphatase 5b levels and reduced bTCP area fraction, particle size and number compared with control, suggesting increased osteoclast activity. There was reduced stiffness and increased mechanical strength with this treatment. Local simvastatin resulted in a decreased mineral apposition rate at 6 weeks and increased fibrous area fraction, bTCP area fraction, particle size and number at 26 weeks. Oral simvastatin had no effect compared with control. Local application of rhBMP2 increased resorption and improved mechanical strength whereas simvastatin was detrimental to healing. Oral simvastatin was ineffective at promoting either ceramic resorption or bone formation. The effect of statins on the repair of bone defects with graft substitute materials is influenced by its bioavailability. Thus, further studies on the optimal delivery system are needed.